About fifty kilometers northwest of Lisbon can be found Ericeira, the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe. The beaches around the small fishing village offer a number of world-class spots for surfing, as the reefs Ribeira d'Ilhas, Coxos, Crazy Left and beach breaks like São Julião.
Beginners find perfect conditions to learn surfing, at the beach breaks of Sao Juliao and on the shallow reef flat Ribeira d'Ilhas. More numerous beach breaks and reefs are located in the immediate vicinity of Ericeira and can be reached easily by car.
For all advanced and professional surfers a lot of numbers of first-class point and reef breaks are nearby. Surf spots like Padra Branca, São Lourenço, Coxos, Crazy Left, Backdoor, Reef are some of the best waves in Portugal and throughout Europe. Ericeira is a year-round surfing destination with almost constant water temperatures. The best waves running as elsewhere in Europe from September to May!
But not only the waves make Ericeira a popular holiday destination! The picturesque countryside, with its oak forests and numerous cultural highlights, such as nearby towns Sintra and the capital Lisbon, make this region one of the most beautiful in Europe! The temperatures are from March to early November summery, during the winter months to fifteen degrees. The arrival is recommended by plane to Lisbon. From there, it is best to rent a car or take the bus!
